Earl of Portland
| Earldom of Portland | |
|---|---|
Arms of the Earl of Portland Arms: Azure, a cross moline argent. Crests: Out of a ducal coronet proper two arms counter-embowed vested gules, on the hands gloves or, each holding an ostrich feather argent. Supporters: Two lions double queued, the dexter or, the sinister sable. Motto: Craignez Honte (Fear Dishonour). | |
| Creation date | 9 April 1689 |
| Creation | Second |
| Created by | William III |
| Peerage | Peerage of England |
| First holder | William Bentinck |
| Present holder | Timothy Bentinck, 12th Earl of Portland |
| Heir apparent | William Bentinck, Viscount Woodstock |
| Remainder to | Heirs male of the first earl's body lawfully begotten |
| Subsidiary titles | Viscount Woodstock Baron Cirencester |
| Former seat | Welbeck Abbey |
| Motto | Craignez honte ("Fear shame") |
Earl of Portland is a title that has been created twice in the Peerage of England, firstly in 1633 and secondly in 1689. What proved to be a long co-held title, Duke of Portland, was created in 1716 and became extinct in 1990 upon the death of the ninth Duke, at which point the earldom passed to the most senior agnatic cousin, namely one of the 6th degree.